Rasa Cooking.

Rasa Cooking.

May 15, 2026

At Rasa, we believe cooking should be joyful, bold, and deeply rooted in tradition — whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or celebrating with loved ones.

Saera Kadala | Spicy Chickpea

10 mins | easy | vegan SNACK

Introducing the ultimate go-to snack: this spicy chickpea recipe! Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a full-fledged meal, pair it with some rice and another hearty curry—it’s a game-changer.

Confession time: I used to despise chickpeas, and I bet many of you did too. But trust me, this recipe will turn you into a fan. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up, whether you’re using canned or raw chickpeas. All you need are some chopped onions and green chilies. Throw in some mustard seeds, a sprinkle of chili powder, chili flakes, and a dash of turmeric, and you’re ready to go!

This dish is a lifesaver when time is short but the craving for something spicy and healthy hits. My mum always turned to this recipe when she needed a fast fix, and it’s not only delicious but incredibly budget-friendly too—costing you less than 5 bucks!

Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect choice for a quick, protein-packed snack. I’ve been making this on repeat—it’s become a staple in my high-protein diet, keeping me satisfied for hours!

Tip 1: You have the option to use either canned chickpeas or raw ones. If you opt for raw chickpeas, be sure to soak them overnight to allow them to expand. When you’re ready to cook, boil them for about 5-10 minutes until they reach a nice, soft texture.

Can you make it vegan?

Yo, this is already vegan! No substitutions necessary.

Saera Kadala | Spicy Chickpea

Serving Size:
6
Time:
10 mins
Difficulty:
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of raw chickpea or 1 can of chickpea
  • 1 white onion
  • 2 green chilli
  • 1 ½ tsp of mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt

Directions

  1. Soak raw chickpeas in water overnight.
  2. When it’s time to get cooking, drain and boil the chickpeas until they’re soft. If you’re using canned chickpeas, no need to boil—just give them a quick rinse and drain.
  3. In a skillet, heat cooking oil, then  add chopped onion, green chilli and mustard seeds.
  4. Once fragrant and mustard seeds start to pop, throw in your chickpeas and spices. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your spiciness preference.
  5. Cook on medium heat for 5 mins. Then let it cool to room temperature.
  6. Serve as a snack, or pair with some rice and another curry for a satisfying meal!

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At Rasa, we believe cooking should be joyful, bold, and deeply rooted in tradition — whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or celebrating with loved ones. Our recipes are inspired by the vibrant spices, rich aromas, and comforting tastes of Sri Lanka.

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